Been trying a lot of the same. Freeborn is my lbs so pretty obvious choice. Dexter was really good tight, light very active and seems a lot more travel than 110. Problem is given the price you don’t get a lot of kit, forks are ok, but only 9 speed transmission and pretty basic finishing kit. You do get eggbeaters though but still expensive for the overall package. Dixon was surprisingly similar and seems better value, not a lot of difference in the weight or feel but a lot more travel for an extra £200 and I preferred the build of the Dixon xp to the Dexter.
Trek fuel ex rides pretty similarly (same style with the abp rear end) the DRCV shock seemed to work really well. It was the 2011 ex8 I tried, good package with the fox forks, xt and slx. The green version is an acquired taste but the black looks really good. £1900 from Evans just now but only collect from store with Trek, once you add pedals same price as dexter but dexter frame much better quality.
But I tested a Whyte T120 yesterday from Quest down in Worthing, 2012 model so lighter and proper seat tube size so you can get more than one type of dropper post for it. Absolutely loved it, really active, maybe a bit more bob out of the saddle, great cockpit, more relaxed head angle than the others but felt perfect, great overall package except for the grips which were far to small for my hands. 2×10 x9 and x7 kit, maxle front and rear, tubeless wheel set (although its fitted with tubes but comes with valves and sealant when you buy it) even fits on my bones 3 rack. So I’m picking my new one up in 2 weeks along with xt trail spds and ergon gel grips ( they’re even White with green to match the rest of the bike ). Can’t wait!
